What is the recommended way to handle a conflict with a supervisor or coworker that causes strong emotions?

Face-to-face verbal communication is the recommended approach for handling conflicts that elicit strong emotions. This method allows for immediate and nuanced interaction, where both parties can express their feelings openly and hear tone and intent, which can often be lost in written communication. Nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions play a significant role in conveying messages and can help diffuse tension during discussions.

Engaging in a direct conversation provides an opportunity for clear clarification and reduces the potential for misunderstandings that may arise from misinterpreted written messages. Additionally, discussing conflicts in person fosters a collaborative environment where both parties can work toward a resolution, thus promoting a more positive and constructive dialogue. This approach is especially useful in settings involving teamwork, like those common among professionals in the field of behavior analysis, where communication dynamics can significantly affect collaboration and support in client services.